Viva Phoenix: Reviving the Heart of Downtown

After a seven-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Viva Phoenix festival is making a triumphant return to the heart of downtown Phoenix. This one-day celebration of local art, music, and culture promises to be a must-attend event for anyone who wants to experience the vibrant spirit of Arizona's capital city.

Rediscover the Pulse of Phoenix

Showcasing Local Talent

Viva Phoenix is a celebration of the city's thriving creative community, with a focus on up-and-coming local artists and musicians. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of 70 performers, with 50% of the talent hailing directly from Arizona. This emphasis on homegrown talent is a testament to the depth and breadth of the state's artistic landscape."We have a focus on emerging talent," said Matt Baquet, co-director of the event. "We also have 50% of our talent coming right here from Arizona, which we are very proud of." This commitment to supporting local artists is a key aspect of Viva Phoenix, as it provides a platform for them to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience.

Vibrant Vendor Lineup

In addition to the musical performances, Viva Phoenix will also feature a diverse array of local vendors, offering everything from delectable food to unique handcrafted goods. Attendees can expect to find familiar favorites like Bocanora, Bad Jimmys, and Restaurant Progress, as well as a host of other local businesses."We will have local small business vendors. We will have various food vendors like Bocanora, Bad Jimmys, Restaurant Progress and more," Baquet explained, highlighting the festival's dedication to supporting the local economy and showcasing the city's thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

A Venue Crawl Experience

Viva Phoenix is more than just a traditional music festival; it's a unique venue crawl experience that allows attendees to explore the heart of downtown Phoenix. The event will take place across multiple venues, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and lineup of performers."Viva PHX is a venue crawl with music and – of course – food, all in the heart of downtown," Baquet said, emphasizing the festival's immersive and interactive nature. This format encourages attendees to discover new spaces, connect with the local community, and truly immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Phoenix.

Reviving a Beloved Event

For many Phoenicians, Viva Phoenix holds a special place in their hearts. The festival was a beloved annual event from 2014 to 2017, and its return after a seven-year hiatus is a cause for celebration."Viva Phoenix was a beloved event that existed from 2014-2017, and we're super excited to be reviving it here seven years later and showcasing why Phoenix is the hottest place to be, literally and figuratively," Baquet said.The festival's revival comes at a particularly opportune time, as Phoenix has been experiencing a record-breaking heatwave. Viva Phoenix promises to be a welcome respite, offering a chance for Phoenicians to come together and celebrate the city's vibrant culture and community.

A Celebration of Phoenix

At its core, Viva Phoenix is a celebration of the city itself. It's an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the unique spirit and energy that defines Phoenix."Viva Phoenix is a celebration of Phoenix," Baquet said, underscoring the festival's mission to showcase the city's diverse cultural offerings and the talent of its residents.For artists like Sebastian Villamil, who runs the Villamil & Villamil Instagram page, Viva Phoenix provides a valuable platform to share their work and connect with the community."It is great to have this experience of participating in things that happen in the city," Villamil said, echoing the sentiment that Viva Phoenix is more than just a festival – it's a celebration of the city's identity and the people who make it thrive.As Viva Phoenix returns to the heart of downtown Phoenix, it promises to be a must-attend event for anyone who wants to experience the city's vibrant culture, support local businesses and artists, and be a part of a truly unique celebration of the city's spirit.